Hey y'all. I'm new to the jeep/off-road world. Any advice would help!

[Idlethunder]

I installed the Clayton 2.5 Overland Plus kit on mine. It actually lifted my Rubi 3.5 inches. The attached picture is with 35" tires and 37s would easily fit. I bought the lift during one of Clayton's sales and got the Falcon 3.1 shocks on clearance because they were being phased out for the Gladiator. For the lift and shocks I paid $3,590 and installed it myself in the driveway with a lot of help from the forum, Clayton, and youtube. Clayton also offers a 1.5" Ride Right lift that might be worth looking at.

https://www.claytonoffroad.com/product/jeep-gladiator-15-ride-right-lift-kit

My understanding is that this lift comes with the same components as are used in the Overland kit but you only get 2 front adjustable control arms rather than all 8. Depending on how much the 1.5 kit actually raises your JT, you should be able to get by with your factory shocks but you might want extensions.

Before ordering my lift I had it narrowed down to either Clayton and Metalcloak and I talked with both more than once. They are both excellent companies and they are more than happy to help. In my case I went with Clayton because I didn't want to upgrade my driveshaft. No matter whose lift you order, it will be worth your time to call them up and ask questions. Without exception, everyone I've talked to about Jeep parts have been very helpful.

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[4xjeepr]

Thanks! Much appreciated. I guess this jeep thing is a deep pockets lifestyle for some.

It certainly can be. Enjoy your ride.

 

[Deadpool392]

I have the Clayton 3.5 Overland lift I just put on last month and I am still on my 35 KO2’s. I will go up to the KO2 37’s when it is time to replace the tires, but I am not in a hurry to do so. I paired the lift with the Bilstein 5160 shocks.

 

[KevinC]

I personally wouldn't do anything to modify your Gladiator, it looks good the way it is now.

Why do you want 37" tires? You will lose money replacing the tires you currently have. Drive it till you need new tires, then make a decision. Meanwhile your $2700 can be drawing 5% interest in a CD.

 

[Scott L]

I have the Clayton 3.5 Overland lift I just put on last month and I am still on my 35 KO2’s. I will go up to the KO2 37’s when it is time to replace the tires, but I am not in a hurry to do so. I paired the lift with the Bilstein 5160 shocks.

How is the ride on the Metalcloak lift with the Bilsteins?

 

[Deadpool392]

How is the ride on the Metalcloak lift with the Bilsteins?

I like the ride now better than with the stock shocks. It is definitely what most would consider a harsher ride, but I was not a fan of how soft the stock Rubicon shocks were. I like the way it rides and handles now with the lift on it, hopefully I will get it out on some trails soon.

Also it is the Clayton 3.5, not Metalcloak; both company’s make a quality product but I went with Clayton after researching and deciding on my needs. I was just shy of 40k miles when I added the lift and had taken it out offroading a few times when it was stock height on 35’s. Figuring out what you need before dropping the money on upgrades is the way to go.

 

[salvino]

Thank you. I wanted AEV but the only lift shop in my town advised against it because of the control arm drop brackets. When I pushed for the kit again they continued to advise against it. However I have only seen good reviews on the kits.

I did not know the tires were the same as 35x12.5 17 KO2's. That's good to know. The Mopar lift seems to get good reviews as well. I am going to look into them more.

AEV stuff is rock solid and control arm brackets are a definite plus for ride comfort. What did they recommend? I went from the Mopar 2” lift to the Tereflex 3.5 lift with control arm brackets. Way better ride, especially on washboards, as the control arms maintain a more horizontal position.

I agree that you should see how it works for you before jumping in. Don’t waste your money on two lifts like I did.

 

[rr11]

I would not be in a rush to replace the tires. If it was my Jeep I would consider replacing the running boards with a good rock slider and use the Jeep. After some use you will find out what you really need. I have a 2020 Sport S. I am running the Falken Wildpeaks on my Gladiator, I don't have a lift. The Jeep is my daily driver, it has 80,000 on it now mainly it is used on the beach but I do take it to Tennessee and have ridden trails around the southeast. A stock Jeep is more capable than you would think. Don't be in a rush to throw money where it is not needed. Remember there is a difference in needs and wants. Find out what you need before committing to a expensive course of action.

 

[Scott L]

OP there's some good advice here. Drive and enjoy your Jeep for a while before throwing any money at it. I've had mine for two years 20k miles and finally decided what I want to do with it. But I'm still taking it slow asking questions reading this and other forums. I'm very cheap so I hate the thought of adding mods then changing my mind and tearing stuff off and redoing it later.

 

[Redleg37]

35s and sway bar disconnects will take you pretty far.

edit: For my area, 33s are the minimum recommended size for the most difficult trails we have. I think for most people, 37s aren't really a "need". For sand, trails, light rock crawling, and mud the right 35 tires, paired with the right traction device, are probably adequate.

 

[Redfour5]

I just got a 2022 Jeep Gladiator willy's manual and it came with 315/70's BFGs. I would like to move up to a 35 to 37 inch in the future. I need a suspension lift that will not look too high and make my wheel look like a roller skate with the intension to upgrading tires later on. I was thinking suspension, re-gear, then tires. I drive mostly on road but want the capability to flex off road. I would even consider getting a kit with front lower control arms now and adding all other arms at a later date. My budget is $2,700 dollars as of right now. Thanks for any response in advance.

You think buying it cost you, just wait till you start doing things to it.

 

[kevman65]

Drive it first, on road and off. See what it can do. Then decide what you want to do.

Most of these are more capable than the driver in stock form.

Adding lifts and changing parts just for the sake of doing so is not a good idea.

The higher you raise it and the bigger the tires makes your on road driving experience not as pleasant.

But, if it's just aesthetics you're after, you'll do what you want.

 

[bucolic]

I just got a 2022 Jeep Gladiator willy's manual and it came with 315/70's BFGs. I would like to move up to a 35 to 37 inch in the future. I need a suspension lift that will not look too high and make my wheel look like a roller skate with the intension to upgrading tires later on. I was thinking suspension, re-gear, then tires. I drive mostly on road but want the capability to flex off road. I would even consider getting a kit with front lower control arms now and adding all other arms at a later date. My budget is $2,700 dollars as of right now. Thanks for any response in advance.

That thing is sweet-looking just as it sits. It's a great color, and I think those wheels and rims are perfect for it. Fill up the wells nice and look on the money to me.


Isn't the current size on there considered a 35" tire"? I think that is a great look without all the issues that come along with a lift. Who am I to say though? Now I want to replace my 33's with 35's after seeing this! I can do it without needing a lift though so a bit easier for me. Maybe when my tires wear out I'll bump up. Your's looks perfect to me.

 

[Proximo]

Thanks! Much appreciated. I guess this jeep thing is a deep pockets lifestyle for some.

Yes, you will get much advice from deep pockets on our forum. You could do a 2.5" RC level kit (including shocks) plus .75" Daystar pucks in the rear, if you want to be level. That, my friend, is budget. Some/most would poo poo this idea, but all budgets are different. You are not going rock crawling, so no need to build a crawler imo

 

[AverageJoe]

Beautiful truck. Looks to me like it has already got some kind of levelling lift in the front.

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